Peugeot touts savings, low running costs of iOn electric car

Peugeot’s new iOn electric car is not cheap but the carmaker is stressing that its high price is offset somewhat by the fact that it offers low running costs. The battery-powered iOn is a small four-door city car that costs 33,800 euros, which is also the sticker price of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Peugeot anticipates that a majority of iOn customers will lease the vehicle for 499 euros a month (415 pounds in the UK).

This price is inclusive of the 88-cell lithium ion battery pack, servicing and maintenance, and a 50,000 km warranty. Peugeot asserted that the iOn’s running costs will only be between 1.50 euros and 2 euros per 100 km – which is one-fourth the price of an equivalent gasoline or diesel model.

Recharging costs could be lower if the car's batteries are recharged overnight when electricity is generally cheaper. There are also some cities that give incentives to EV car owners such as exemption from congestion charges and free parking.

For instance, in London, an iOn driver will be able to save the 1,696 pounds (nearly 2,000 euros) annual congestion charge. In addition,

London's Westminster district offers free charging and free parking for electric cars for a small annual fee, resulting to savings of another 2,000 pounds (about 2,300 euros) a year in parking fees. Jean-Francois Mascarau, who heads EV customer sales at PSA, said that the car is not targeted at private buyers.

He said that by 2015, the company expects that only 10% of iOn customers will be private buyers or leasers. Rather, Peugeot wants to lease the iOn to courier companies, public utility providers, local governments, car sharing companies and car hire firms.

The iOn is able to arrive at a top speed of 130 km/h with its electric motor, which has a power output of 49kW (equivalent to 67 hp). [via autonews - sub. required]